Reference Ranges for Serum Concentrations of Lutropin (LH), Follitropin (FSH), Estradiol (E2), Prolactin, Progesterone, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG), Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS), Cortisol and Ferritin in Neonates, Children and Young Adults

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish reference ranges for children (neonates to young adults), for serum lutropin (LH), follitropin (FSH), estradiol (E2), progesterone, prolactin, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), cortisol and ferritin, using the nonisotopic, automated chemiluminescence immunoassay system, Immulite (DPC). Serum samples from 762 children (369 female; age 1 day to 19 years) were examined. Of these, 381 were classified as pubertal. Due to non-normal distribution, the 2.5th, 50th and 97.5th percentiles (central 95% interval) were calculated for each group. Statistical differences between the reference ranges were analyzed with respect to age, sex and the stage of sexual maturation. The median concentrations of E2, prolactin, progesterone, DHEAS, cortisol and ferritin were higher during the first 2 weeks post-partum than thereafter. The largest difference was seen with prolactin, which showed up to 27-fold higher values during this period. In contrast, before the onset of puberty, hardly any sex difference was observed and all analyte concentrations remained relatively constant, apart from SHBG which increased steadily after the neonatal period. The increase of gonadal activity in females with the onset of sexual maturation included an increase in LH and FSH, which was accompanied by a strong increase in E2, progesterone and prolactin. Cortisol increased to a lesser extent during puberty. In males, the increase in the median concentrations of the hormones was smaller, except for DHEAS. The concentration of ferritin was high in the neonatal period but did not change during sexual maturation. Our findings agree with earlier studies. The calculated reference intervals can be used to assess the development of children, particularly for measurements performed by the Immulite and Immulite 2000 chemiluminescence assay systems.

Pediatric reference intervals for FSH, LH, estradiol, T3, free T3, cortisol, and growth hormone on the DPC IMMULITE 1000

“…In males, the increase in hormone concentrations was smaller. Our findings agree with earlier studies [11,12]. Our findings for LH, FSH, TT3, and FT3 agree with earlier studies on the Abbott IMx [11].…”

“…Our findings for LH, FSH, TT3, and FT3 agree with earlier studies on the Abbott IMx [11]. The data of Elmlinger utilized n values varying from 8 to 131 in the various age groups with many groups having an n<30 [12,13]. Despite this deficiency the data are similar to those in this manuscript which utilizes n values falling between n=45 and n=289.…”

Surgical and functional outcomes of sigmoid vaginoplasty among patients with variants of disorders of sex development

“…Their karyotype was 46XX. Hormonal profile regarding follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and estradiol were normal according to age and sex matched reference ranges (9). On ultrasonography, a rudimentary or absent uterus was found.…”

Steroid hormone levels in pregnancy and 1 year postpartum using isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry

“…Measurements of circulating levels of the major adrenal steroids, cortisol, DHEA, and DHEAS are useful in the evaluation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function. DHEAS has been shown to increase in puberty (20), although its function is not yet fully understood.…”